Salmonella

Egg Safety and Salmonella

Federal and state officials are investigating a nationwide increase of Salmonella Enteritidis infections associated with shell eggs.

Outbreak: Since May 2010, there has been a four-fold increase in the number of cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infections.
Source: Preliminary investigations by federal and state officials suggest that shell eggs are the likely source of many of these infections. Two egg producers have been identified as potential sources of contaminated eggs.
Recall: FDA has issued an URGENT Nationwide Egg Recall. For an up-to-date list of brands recalled, including egg carton codes, see How can I tell if my eggs have been recalled?

More information:

Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs
Consumers Check for Recalled Eggs
Background information: Recall of Shell Eggs
CDC Investigation: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Associated with Shell Eggs

Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria, is the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States. Usually, symptoms last 4-7 days and most people get better without treatment. But, salmonella can be more serious in older adults, infants, and persons with chronic illnesses.

Sources	Food: Contaminated eggs, poultry, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, contaminated raw fruits and vegetables (alfalfa sprouts, melons) Animals and their environment: Particularly reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), amphibians (frogs),and birds (baby chicks). If you don’t wash your hands carefully after touching an animal or its environment, you could get a Salmonella infection.
Incubation Period	1-3 days
Symptoms	Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting
Duration of Illness	4-7 days
What Do I Do?	Drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you cannot drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration or if your symptoms are severe, call your doctor. Antibiotics may be used if the infection spreads from the intestines.

General Information

Salmonella Infections (NIH MedlinePlus)
Trusted health information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Salmonella (CDC)
General information plus details on previous outbreaks.

Salmonella and Salmonellosis (USDA)
General information plus directives and notices, compliance guidelines, data collection and reports, and more.

Salmonella (FDA)
From the Bad Bug Book ; provides basic facts, including associated foods, frequency of disease, complications, and target populations.

podcast icon Don’t Kiss a Frog (CDC)
The danger of reptiles and amphibians carrying and spreading salmonella and how to prevent infection
Listen to the podcast or read the transcript (3:50 minutes)